Martha's Vineyard ferry: choose a mainland port
The Martha's Vineyard ferry can be part of a trip from Woods Hole, Hyannis, Falmouth or New Bedford. The right departure point depends on your travel date, whether you bring a vehicle and where you want to arrive. Woods Hole has a year-round connection to Vineyard Haven. Oak Bluffs is served seasonally, so the port named on a summer itinerary may not be the port for a winter visit.
Begin with both the outbound and return schedules. Then consider the road journey, mainland parking and any shuttle to the terminal. A passenger ticket, a bicycle charge, a vehicle reservation and parking are separate parts of the decision. See getting there for the wider journey and where to stay for the practical differences between island bases.
Weather and operational changes can affect connections. Give yourself time between the ferry and any flight, bus or activity, and check the operator’s latest instructions before leaving. A place on a particular sailing and a convenient connection elsewhere are separate questions.
Our take: a trip with ferry option
For an organized trip from Boston, choose Tour W/Admissions to include the ferry and island bus.
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Organized travel from Boston
On the Boston outing, ferry and island bus are included only with the Tour W/Admissions option. Check the option and meeting point before booking.
Martha's Vineyard ferry schedule
The Steamship Authority runs from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven throughout the year. The crossing takes 45 minutes. Oak Bluffs service is seasonal; the winter schedule from October 23, 2026 to January 5, 2027 serves Vineyard Haven. Check the sailing for your own date and the terminal shown on your booking.
Cars require advance reservations on the Woods Hole ferry. Foot passengers do not need a reservation; the operator recommends arriving 30 minutes ahead. For the stated winter schedule, vehicle check-in is at least 30 minutes before departure. Keep the recommended passenger arrival time distinct from the vehicle check-in requirement.
When planning a return, consider where you will be on the island and how you will reach the port. A bus connection, a bicycle ride or a drive needs its own time allowance. If the weather changes, consult current sailing information and adjust the rest of the day rather than relying on a tight transfer.
Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard ferry and Falmouth
Hy-Line operates a seasonal passenger connection from Hyannis to Oak Bluffs. Its published crossing time is one hour. A reservation guarantees a place, and the operator recommends arriving at least 45 minutes before departure. The service had ended its 2026 season as of November 1; check dates for the journey you intend to make.
The Island Queen connects Falmouth Harbor and Oak Bluffs for passengers and bicycles. Its 2026 season ran from May 22 to October 12, and a restart on May 28, 2027 was announced. Check the sailing you need and allow for the separate parking arrangement. A ticket does not reserve a parking place.
New Bedford and seasonal choices
Seastreak connects New Bedford with the island. Its 2026 Thanksgiving sailings from November 25 to 29 go to Vineyard Haven, with the Thanksgiving day schedule requiring particular attention. A seasonal change at one port does not mean every ferry stops for the winter.
Compare the final fare and any booking or fuel charges when choosing this route. Look at the departure time as well as the arrival port, and make sure the return sailing works with your plans. If bringing a bicycle, check the operator’s separate bicycle rules and charges before booking.
Cars, bikes and parking
On the Woods Hole service, vehicle fares vary by length, season and summer weekday. Reserve the vehicle ahead and check the relevant fare rather than assuming one annual price. Passenger fares and bicycle charges should be checked separately. Mainland parking can involve a shuttle, so leave time between parking and boarding.
A bicycle can be useful after arrival, but it has a separate charge on the Woods Hole and Falmouth services. Bus racks on the island are limited, and e-bike arrangements need checking. See biking before deciding whether to bring or rent a bike. The small Chappy Ferry is a separate local crossing; our things to do guide covers Chappaquiddick.
Organized travel from Boston
An organized day trip can combine the mainland journey with island time. For the option shown here, the ferry and island bus are included only when Tour W/Admissions is selected. Confirm the exact option and Boston meeting point before paying, and distinguish an organized itinerary from a standalone ferry ticket.
If you prefer to arrange each leg yourself, first compare the port and return schedule with your available time. Our Boston day trip guide explains the choice between an organized outing and independent connections.
FAQ
Does a ferry run all year?
The Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven connection operates year-round. Check the current timetable and sailing status for your date.
Can I take a car?
The Woods Hole service carries vehicles with advance reservation. Check vehicle size, the applicable fare and check-in instructions.
Do foot passengers need a reservation at Woods Hole?
Foot passengers do not need a reservation on that service. The operator recommends arriving 30 minutes before departure.